DENVER KEYS TO THE GAME >> It will be on Peyton Manning’s shoulders to lead Denver to the win. That means going up against one of the best secondaries in recent memory. There’s no one in the game smarter than Manning, and he’s going to attack one-on-one matchups. Not with cornerback Richard Sherman, but Byron Maxwell. Watch when Demaryius Thomas or Eric Decker is lined up with Maxwell on the outside.

SEATTLE KEYS TO THE GAME >> Lookout for Marshawn Lynch, who has scored three touchdowns and run for more than 100 yards in both Seattle playoff games, to carry the load on offense. Russell Wilson should open up the cutback for Lynch as the quarterback uses the read-option early to make the Denver secondary wait and see what he’s going to do. Occasionally, Wilson needs to take shots against that secondary.

PICK >> Seattle, 27-20. The Seattle secondary can hope to contain Manning to two touchdowns, and make Denver settle for field goals. What might make the biggest difference for the Seahawks offense is the electric Percy Harvin. In the end, the Seahawks have more playmakers combined on offense and defense and has the better overall roster.